Lost in translation: The psychological effects of language barriers and how it affects the human mind

Language is simply more than just a principal method of human communication - it is the genuine key to understanding culture, building relationships and expressing identity.  It is one

of the most crucial facets when it comes to shaping our thinking, feelings and interactions. Frankly, there is no getting away from the fact that it is both a bridge and a barrier. Although I personally haven’t struggled with language barriers to a significant extent, I have seen the suffering  of many people around me - whether they were my friends, classmates, and even family - who have.  Their silent battles inspired me to acknowledge and reflect on the hidden psychological impact language barriers may have on a daily basis. This article is simply a way of shedding light on a challenge many face, but only few summon up the courage to talk about. 

Freepik. “Language Concept with Speech Bubbles | Free Vector.” Freepik, 2018, www.freepik.com/free-vector/language-concept-with-speech-bubbles_2752262.htm#fromView=image_search_similar&page=1&position=13&uuid=393ca968-24f1-4423-9945-35264adb80e5&query=Language+Barrier. Accessed 30 May 2025.

When, for instance, you move to a different country or cultural environment, one of the most complicated hurdles you may unfortunately encounter is the language barrier. Processing unfamiliar vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation specifically causes extreme burn-out due to experiencing what psychologists call ‘cognitive overload’ -  a state where the brain juggles too many foreign elements at once. Culture shock is generally associated with homesickness and confusion.  For many, however, the real psychological struggle is the inability to communicate. Some may feel like a part of their identity, their way of interacting with others is somewhat taken away from them when expressing themselves not in their native tongue. This challenge deeply impacts a person’s mentality, whether it is self-esteem or even emotional utterance. Even the phrase ‘lost in translation’ means more than just getting words wrong. It illustrates both the emotional and mental confusion people feel when they cannot fully express themselves or understand others due to language complications. Far from it being a minor inconvenience, it needs to be thoroughly acknowledged, as it influences almost every aspect of daily life.

But why isn’t this discussed more often? Why do we just assume that someone speaking a second language fluently must be ‘fine’? Do we ever truly stop to wonder how people with actual language barriers perceive the world - what it means to lose our voice - not physically, but emotionally and mentally? Imagine trying to swim without knowing how to do so. Hypothetically, how would you feel being surrounded by people who move easily (native speakers), while you struggle to stay afloat? Wouldn’t that be utterly exhausting?

This phenomenon impacts our well-being on a daily basis, which in the long run makes it extremely overwhelming. Simple tasks, such as ordering food in a restaurant or saying an opinion out loud, gradually become high-stress situations. Although we, as people, process things in our own way, there is no other way to deny the fact that this behavior is prone to social anxiety and feelings of isolation. 

It is very likely that the feeling of  being unable to contribute to conversations can be destructive as well as create a sense of being marginalised from the surrounding world. For instance, being in a classroom, having great ideas in mind that you would love to share, but staying silent out of fear of sounding ‘wrong’. You may begin to withdraw, avoid social situations or worse - start to question your self worth and if you are genuinely good enough for others. 

This emotional pressure is particularly intense in environments where communication is key. In healthcare settings, for example, not being able to describe pain or symptoms accurately can lead to serious mishaps. In education - as I have already mentioned - students may be underestimated by their teachers or peers due to the fact that they cannot express their knowledge thoroughly. These challenges are not just inconvenient, they are simply exhausting, leading to maybe even chronic mental health issues. 

Nevertheless, there is hope. With all sorts of support systems, language education, and most fundamentally - culturally sensitive environments, many individuals may start feeling like they have a reason to be strong again. They begin to reclaim their voices and reconnect with others in meaningful ways. Something as simple as slowing down speech, showing patience and offering a smile can make a positive difference. Understanding the psychological effect and its impact of language barriers is the first step to success in creating more inclusive as well as compassionate communities - where no one is left feeling lost in translation. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Comprehensive psychiatry (2022). ‘Impact of language proficiency on mental earth service use, treatment and outcomes’. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010440X22000050  Accessed 13 May 2025.

Flores, G. (2006). ‘Language barriers to healthcare in the United States.’ New England Journal of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ Accessed 14 May 2025

Schwartz, S. J., Unger, J. B., Zamboanga, B. L., & Szapocznik, J. (2010). ‘Rethinking the concept of acculturation: Implications for theory and research’. American Psychologist,  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3700543/ Accessed 14 May 2025